Single Publication

Quartz Fire Update 
Thursday, September 1, 9:00 am

National Park Service  
Glacier National Park 
Incident Commander: M. Lewelling 

Fire Information Email: glac_fire_line@nps.gov 
Fire Information Recording: 406-206-6099 
Fire Information Office: 406-206-5272 (8 am to 6 pm) 

Amid warm temperatures, Quartz Fire activity remains light 

Current Situation: Despite the warmer and drier weather, the Quartz Fire showed very little activity on Wednesday and smoke produced by the fire was minimal. Firefighters remain staged at Quartz Lake. High temperatures are expected to persist over the fire area again today, which may lead to an increase in fire activity and visible smoke during the warmest part of the afternoon. 

The Flat Mineral Fire, located in the Flattop Mountain area above Mineral Creek in Glacier National Park, produced wisps of smoke throughout the day on Wednesday, but had no observable spread. The fire is in a remote area and is surrounded by brush and fuels last burned during the Trapper Fire in 2003. The fire is being observed by the Swiftcurrent Lookout.

Initial attack resources are continuing patrols of both east and west sides of Glacier National Park and surrounding areas.

Weather: Slightly cooler temperatures are expected over the fire area on Thursday although temperatures will remain warm and relative humidity low. Temperatures will be 70° to 80° on ridges and minimum relative humidity is expected to be 25-35%. Winds are forecasted increase to 10-20 mph out of the west. Winds are transporting smoke into the Glacier area from fires in Idaho and Washington. 

Closures: Glacier National Park has enacted a Closure Order for the areas, campgrounds, and trails within the Quartz Lake drainage from the Continental Divide to the Inside North Fork Road for the protection of park visitors, employees, and natural resources. This includes the Quartz Lake Loop trails starting from just south of Bowman Lake toward Quartz Lake, as well as the Quartz Lake and Lower Quartz Lake Wilderness Campgrounds. A map of the closure is available on InciWeb. 

Fire Restrictions: The fire danger rating in Glacier National Park is currently Very High. All park visitors are reminded that campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings or grates and should be kept small. Never leave a fire unattended and drown any campfire with water until cold to the touch before leaving it.

Air Quality: National air quality and smoke conditions can be monitored at https://fire.airnow.gov/. Visibility in different parts of Glacier National Park can vary from hour to hour, depending on fire and wind conditions both locally and throughout the west. Check the park’s webcams at https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm for current views.

Quartz Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 1698 acres
Total Personnel: 35
Start Date: Sunday, August 14, 2022
Containment: 0%
Cause: Lightning
Location: 25 miles north of West Glacier